SCARVA MAN LIVED LIFE TO THE FULL

Obituary - Mr Alfred William Buller

SCARVA man Mr Alfred William Buller, who passed away recently, will be remembered as a man who lived life to the full.

Bill, who was born in Belfast in 1929, moved to the Scarva area in the 1930s after his father bought Scarvagh House, the home of the annual 'Sham Fight'.

On the death of his father, ten-year-old Bill and his mother took on the management of the farm. Over the ensuing years he adopted many pioneering farming methods, particularly in dairy and beef production.

Bill approached everything in life with total commitment, must notably all the sports in which he was involved.

He held a school high jump record at the Royal School, Dungannon which stood unbroken for 50 years.

He was also a keen boxer and coached a local team. It was at school that Bill developed a love of rugby which saw him play for and captain Banbridge Town First XV.

His love of rugby and the Banbridge club and its patrons lasted throughout his life and gave him many hours of pleasure on the touchline or in the bar where he had a word for all, including the referee.

Bill was a very accomplished horseman and his exploits while hunting with the Newry Harriers and Co Down Staghounds were legendary.

His equestrian talents saw him develop the sport of eventing in Northern Ireland. Personally he had a very successful career which saw him compete at the Munich Olympics in 1972 and he also produced many horses to compete on the international stage.

Later he spent a period of time as a successful pigeon fancier.

Bill was a people person and was actively involved in the life of his community and his church, Scarva Presbyterian. He even had a spell in local politics.

Most importantly, Bill was a family man and took great pride in his ten grandchildren who adored him.